Another detection of the 3.5 KeV line

In summary, there has been a recent detection of a 3.5 KeV line in multiple objects with multiple instruments in long exposure X-ray astronomy observations. While there have been no convincing explanations for this line as being due to atomic transitions, the interpretation of it being caused by the decay of sterile neutrinos at ~7KeV is still a possibility. However, there is still debate and uncertainty surrounding this detection, with arguments over instrument noise, a spurious transition line, or a genuine signal. The most recent paper on this topic, Hitomi constraints on the 3.5 keV line in the Perseus galaxy cluster, did not provide conclusive results. It will be interesting to see what new developments arise in this matter.
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phyzguy
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This link is yet another detection of a 3.5 KeV line in long exposure X-ray astronomy observations. It seems that this line is really there, since it has been seen in multiple objects with multiple instruments. I haven't seen any convincing explanations of this line as being due to atomic transitions, and so its interpretation as being due to the decay of ~7KeV sterile neutrinos is still viable. Anybody care to comment?
 
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The 3.5 KeV line is still debated [sometimes a little hotly - which admittedly sounds a bit ironic]. The detection seems persistent, albeit not unambiguous. The argument over instrument noise vs a spurious transition line vs a genuine signal remains unresolved. The paper; https://arxiv.org/abs/1607.07420, Hitomi constraints on the 3.5 keV line in the Perseus galaxy cluster, appears to be the most recent hat in the ring. Their results were inconclusive. It will be interesting to see the next shoe drop in this matter.
 
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Related to Another detection of the 3.5 KeV line

1. What is the significance of the detection of the 3.5 KeV line?

The detection of the 3.5 KeV line is significant because it could potentially be evidence of dark matter, which is a mysterious substance that makes up about 85% of the universe's mass. This discovery could greatly enhance our understanding of the universe and its fundamental components.

2. How was the 3.5 KeV line detected?

The 3.5 KeV line was detected using X-ray observatories, such as the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the XMM-Newton telescope. These instruments are sensitive enough to detect faint X-ray emissions from cosmic sources, including galaxy clusters and galaxies.

3. What other evidence supports the existence of the 3.5 KeV line?

Aside from the recent detection, there have been previous studies that have also found hints of the 3.5 KeV line in X-ray data from galaxy clusters and in the spectra of nearby galaxies. However, these detections have not been as conclusive as the recent one and require further investigation.

4. Could the 3.5 KeV line be caused by something other than dark matter?

While the 3.5 KeV line is a strong candidate for dark matter, it is possible that it could be caused by other sources, such as a new type of astrophysical object or an instrumental artifact. Further studies and observations are needed to confirm its origin.

5. What are the implications of the 3.5 KeV line for our understanding of dark matter?

If the 3.5 KeV line is indeed evidence of dark matter, it could provide valuable insights into the nature of this elusive substance. It could also help narrow down the potential candidates for dark matter particles and aid in the development of new theories about the universe's composition and evolution.

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